Brunel admits inconsistent France 'still have work to do'
France coach Jacques Brunel said qualification was his side’s main goal after they secured a World Cup quarter-final place with a narrow 23-21 victory over Tonga in Pool C.
The Pacific Islanders fought back from a 17-point deficit, scoring two second-half tries, but Les Bleus were able to hold on for the win to maintain their 100 per cent record in the tournament.
Speaking after the game, Brunel said, reported by the national rugby website: “What matters tonight is the qualification.
“That was our first goal: it was not easy. There were stages to pass. We passed them: sometimes with difficulty – but we passed them. The first thing to secure, is the qualification, which fully satisfied us.”
On the game he added: “They attacked the game well, had some good chances to score in the first half.
“We wanted to make a better copy. There is still work (to do).”
Tonga have yet to win a match at the tournament so far, but coach Toutai Kefu said he was proud of his side’s efforts.
“We haven’t started games well and it’s definitely an issue for us," Kefu said.
“But I’m definitely proud of what happened after that – the way they stuck in there and put us in a position to maybe win.
“I’m always proud of the boys, the sacrifices they make just to turn up and endure what they endure on tour.”
France will battle it out with England for the Pool C top spot on Saturday while Tonga will play the USA on Sunday in search of their first win.
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Lots of truth about the Boks, but they also have much to be humble about. And in their case complacency is the common prelude to the fall.
NZ, Australia, England, Ireland, and France are all timing their campaigns for RWC 2027, and Argentina, Scotland and Wales will be much improved. Rassie will keep building and evolving things, but he knows that it does not take much to derail any team on any given day.
It will be fun to watch.
Go to commentsAn afterthought...
Get Kiss, Larkham or McKellar in to coach Wales when Gatland gets bombed. A stint in Wales worked for the two great coaches of the All Blacks!
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